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FULL NEWS: Punjab Govt Rejects Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khera’s parole pleaAmritsar – Punjab Police & Punjab Govt has once again shown their anti-Sikh facet by rejecting the parole application of Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khera, who was recently transferred to Punjab Jail. As per media reports, it has been learnt that the rural police had submitted a negative report fearing that he may attempt to flee and could cause a law and order problem if parole was granted. The final authority on granting parole, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat, confirmed that the parole plea of Khera has been rejected as per the feedback received from the Office of Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural). SSP (Rural) Jasdeep Singh said that the reason cited by Khera for parole was not convincing. Khera had mentioned in his application that he intends to get his house repaired and therefore, needs to avail parole. “As per precedent, our team visited his native place to enquire about his intentions and did not get positive feedback. The reason he mentioned — house repair — too was found to be frivolous. All these reasons didn’t justify his parole plea. Accordingly, the report was submitted to the DC’s office to take a final call,” he said. Old parents of Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khera Bhai Khera (55), a native of Jallupur Khera village in Amritsar, was booked under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Prevention Act (TADA) and later sentenced to life imprisonment in two cases registered in 1996 in New Delhi and Karnataka. Source:Punjab Govt Rejects Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khera’s parole plea

http://singhstation.net/2015/06/bapu-surat-singh-shifted-back-to-home-village-hassanpur-from-pgi/ LUDHIANA —Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa who has been sitting on 160 days of hunger strike since January 16 seeking the release of Sikh political prisoners, was discharged from PGI yesterday and shifted to his native village Hassanpur amidst tight police security. Support of Sikh sangat continued to pour in at the PGI hospital in Chandigarh where visitors started arriving from far and near. Sikh jatha from Delhi and Jatha Thikriwala reached at village of Bapu ji especially to enquire about his health. Bhai Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, the conveynor of the Bandi Singh Rihai Sangarsh committee stated that the doctors at PGI were pressurising Bapu Ji to undergo medical treatment, however Bapu Ji remained firm in his stance and did not take any medicines or undergo treatment. According to Sikh Siyasat, Sangarsh committee too is firm that Bapu Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa has declared to go with the committee’s decision about medical aid like glucose drips. He said that the committee had decided against the medical aid and soon after Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa was taken away from PGI.

Source:http://singhstation.net/2015/04/breaking-bapu-surat-singhs-son-finally-released-from-jail/ Ludhiana – Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa’s son & NRI Sikh Ravinder jeet Singh Gogi who was detained in Ludhiana Jail since last one month, has now been released and all fabricated charges again him are withdrawn by the Punjab Police. This was disclosed here by Dalwinder Singh Dhoot Chairman North American Punjabi Association (NAPA). Dhoot thanked Mr Sunil Soni IAS External affair Secretary for Overseas Indian affairs New Delhi , US Law Makers, Sikh Organisations and all those who made this happen.

READ MORE: http://singhstation.net/2015/04/the-history-of-kiratpur-sahib/ Kiratpur Sahib, one of the several towns founded by the Sikh Gurus, is situated on the left bank of Sutlej river in the Shivalik foothills. The foundation of Kiratpur was laid by the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, in May 1626 by ceremonially planting a sapling on a tract of land acquired from Tara Chand, the ruler of a small hill state, Kalur. Much later, Guru Hargobind instructed his elder son, Baba Gurditta, that a new township had to be established. Because of the conflictual relationship with the Mughal emperors and Guru Arjan’s martyrdom at the instance of Emperor Jehangir, it was natural that the new place be at a safe distance from Lahore and Amritsar. Kiratpur, 76 kms from Chandigarh, is at the eastern boundary of the modern state of Punjab, whereas Amritsar is much closer to the western boundary. Guru Hargobind settled in Kiratpur in 1635. Guru Sahib spent about 10 years of his life at Kiratpur Sahib. It remained the seat of the Sikh Gurus until Guru Tegh Bahadur founded a new village, Chak Nanaki, in 1665, about 8 kms further north of Kiratpur, the present Anandpur Sahib. READ MORE: http://singhstation.net/2015/04/the-history-of-kiratpur-sahib/

http://singhstation.net/2015/04/melbourne-sikhs-hold-street-parchar-on-baisakhi-to-raise-their-identity-awareness/ Melbourne – Sikhs from all around Melbourne organized Street Parchaar around Flinders Street Station on 14th April 2015 to raise awareness of Sikh identity. The event was held on the pious day of Vaisakhi with the idea of educating Australians and other multicultural communities about Sikhs and their unique identity. The main aim of the street parchar was to increase awareness about Sikhs in the society that we interact with everyday, and promote understanding about who Sikhs are. A number of Sikh organisations including Gurdwara Sahib Craigieburn, Gurdwara Miri Piri, Australian Sikh Support, Khalsa Shaouni Plumpton, 13 Khalsa, Khalsa Education Australia, Damdami Taksal Australia, AKJ Australia and many volunteers took part in the event. Click HERE to see Event Pictures While raising awareness of Sikh identity, Community members distributed more than 10,000 pamphlets educating public about ‘Who Sikhs are?‘ and also shared core beliefs of the Sikh religion with others. The event also featured free fruits, canned food and drinks. This event was first of its kind in Melbourne and was well-received by other communities. The street parchar is indeed a great initiative to fight ignorance and prejudice against Sikhs and to educate all non-Sikhs about our religion and its traditions. http://singhstation.net/2015/04/melbourne-sikhs-hold-street-parchar-on-baisakhi-to-raise-their-identity-awareness/

Source: http://singhstation.net/2015/04/aussie-sikhs-hold-protest-against-nanak-shah-fakir-movie-in-melbourne/ Melbourne (Australia) – Hundereds of Sikhs staged a peaceful protest demonstration demanding a ban on the proposed release of controversial movie titled ‘Nanak Shah Fakir‘ yesterday on 12th April for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.. The demonstrations took place outside Village Cinemas in Sunshine plaza complex. The protestors including men, women and kids were holding placards and posters that were well explaining their ideology behind their opposition. They also raised slogans against the movie demanding ban on its screening across the country. Sikh protestors also submitted a memorandum to the Cinema authorities stating reasons why the movie should not be screened in Australia. Village Cinema Management has advised that they will respond to the protesters advising whether they will continue with the movie screening or not. The protestors have also warned that if Cinema authorities will not take down the movie off screening that more intensive protests will take place. It is to be notified that Sikh community in Australia have also previously submitted a petition to Attorney General Hon’ George Brandis against the proposed release of this movie in Australian cinemas and it was supported by signed letters by various registered Sikh organisations as well. Click here to view more pictures of the protest

http://singhstation.net/2015/03/nanak-shah-fakir-director-moves-high-court-against-producers/ @mrsinghstation

Source: http://singhstation.net/2015/03/sgpc-rejects-movie-nanak-shah-fakir/ Set to be released film next month, the upcoming movie on biopic of Guru Nanak Dev ji “Nanak Shah Fakir ‘is already trapped in disputes. The Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhik Committee (SGPC) has condemned the release and any approvals given to the movie. SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said the committee has discarded the film. Nevertheless, if the film is released it will have to suffer damage. Talking about the message at the beginning of the film’s trailer posted over YouTube, “With the support of the Akal Takht Sahib and Blasings (Akal Takht, with the support and blessing),” Makkar objected to it and said that SGPC has already clarified that movie script of any movie based on Sikh religion has to be first submitted for clearance. He further stated that Sikh Gurus or their family members can not be depicted in the film but since the movie depicts the characters of Guru Nanak, though in graphic form and also his family members, so SGPC wont approve this movie. It is to be noticed here that a Sikh youth body named Sikh Youth of Punjab (SYP) has already announced to oppose upcoming movie “Nanak Shah Fakir”. Besides SYP, Sikh community in Australia has also condemned the movie and launched a petition to Australian Censor Board to ban the movie release.

Source: http://singhstation.net/2015/03/why-depicting-sikh-gurus-in-movies-is-wrong/ Amid global controversy over depictions of Sikh Guru Sahibs in movies, an upcoming biopic of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s life is causing further controversy in the Sikh world. Nanak Shah Fakir, is an upcoming Punjabi movie depicting the life of Guru Nanak Sahib where though Guru Nanak Dev ji has been shown with use of graphics, Roles of Bebe Nanaki and Mata Sulakhni ji has been enacted by human characters. Sikhism rejects any form of idol worship including worship of pictures of the Gurus. but this is so strange that despite this we hang pictures of Sikh Gurus itself in our homes and Gurdwaras on the name of education, Sikhi and inspiration. Depicting the Sikh Gurus in pictures and movies is definitely problematic. It’s a double edged sword because pictures and movies illustrating Sikh history and Saakhis can excite and rouse the spirit of Sikhi within those people who perhaps otherwise would never pick up a book on the Sikh faith. Contrary to the Guru’s teachings, It would be Manmat to portray Guru in such movies. This is a big threat to the rich Sikh history will give rise to been-lines of movies on depiction of Guru Sahibs and their family members. Even when Sobha Singh painted that picture, he did mention that this is not Guru Nanak Dev ji’s picture but instead picture of his dreams. Sadly this is also the general direction many people have taken with Sobha Singh’s work because he focused almost exclusively on the faces of the Gurus. If one reads the book ‘Bandginama‘ written by Bhai Raghbir Singh ji Bir, in which he shared his own personal story, when he started practicing Naam Simran by putting photographs of Guru Sahibaan in front of him but then later he found that when this state develops further, it becomes hard to contemplate God in His real transcendence. In fact the realization of His transcendence and our union with Him are the crown and climax, the apex and zenith of spiritual growth. Talking about upcoming movies where Sikh Gurus are depicted either with picture or animated characters, it looks we are opening the door to people to draw our Guru in different forms that could affect His status in the hearts of his people. Guru Nanak Dev sahib has been shown on screen ‘LIVE’ – walking and talking. There are dialogues by Guru Nanak character, which have been delivered by actor who played Shivji role in Hindi serial on Life OK channel ‘Devo ke Dev Mahadev’. According to DailySikhUpdates, an insider has revealed that the role of Guru Nanak has actually been played by a real human and then some effects were added to give it an animation look. Waheguru is the connection of Shabad, ‘Surat’ and ‘Dhun’ only. Talking about the character of Bebe Nanaki, sister of Dhan Guru Nanak Dev ji and first Sikh woman who adopted the path of Akal Purakh has been portrayed in the movie by Puneet Sikka. The character of Bhai Mardana ji, who was a life-long companion of Guru Nanak Dev ji and a great Gursikh, has been played by Bollywood actor Arif Zakaria. While no one knows Guru Sahib’s true appearance, the film-makers these days seek to emulate him as closely as possible – including in what they believe to be his physical features and dress with long beard contending that was Guru Sahib’s manner. It should be noted that Muslim community is still holding centuries old tradition of not depicting Prophet Mohammad in any pictorial form. There is no such thought in the minds of the Sikhs and we are getting so lenient with these depictions? If we don’t stand by it today, the day will not be far when there will be serials started such as the ones on Hindu Gods. If we really believe that Sikhs believe in Gur-Shabad, then its high time to stand together against such movie trends. Guru Rakha… http://singhstation.net/2015/03/why-depicting-sikh-gurus-in-movies-is-wrong/

http://singhstation.net/2015/03/sgpc-virtually-ends-nanakshahi-calendar/ Amritsar – The SGPC move to come out with Sikh New Year calendar having “Bikrami character” has not found favour with Sikh organisations in various countries. These organisations have rejected the new calendar and expressed their resentment over the changes made in the NanakShahi Calendar. With the Sikh high priests releasing a calendar on a new pattern for the Sikh New Year, though in the guise of Nanakshahi calendar, it is virtually the end of the road for the Nanakshahi calendar that was introduced in 2003 and was later amended in 2010. Set to cause more confusion over dates of certain events and missing out on important days of other religions, the special one-year edition of Nanakshahi Calendar (NC) 2015-16 (Samwat 547) was released by Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh on Saturday. A quick look at the new calendar 2015-16 gives the impression that it is a hurried job as it mentions only 79 occasions against the 126 in NC 2014-15. The calendar is said to have been prepared on the basis of Gurbani and historic sources by an 11-member committee constituted by SGPC. The new calendar has listed the death anniversaries of Sukhdev Singh Sukha and Harjinder Singh Jinda and that of Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. It also gives the dates of the deaths of Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh but do not mention that of Beant Singh. The new one also lists Independence Day and Republic Day. The martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev was observed on June 1 in NC 2014-15, but falls on May 22 as per the new one and on June 16 according to the original NC. Similarly, the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh was given as December 28 in the previous NC, but has been fixed as January 16 in the new calendar; it was January 5 as per the Nanakshahi calendar. The new calendar has also missed out Sikh religious days like Chotta Ghallughara, Saka Paonta Sahib, Morcha Guru Ka Bagh, Sarhind Fateh Diwas and birth anniversary of Bhagat Ravi Das After its release, the Akal Takht jathedar clarified that the calendar would be applicable for the current year only. Expecting protest from those backing the Pal Singh Purewal-authored NC, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) officials changed the venue of its release at the eleventh hour from Gurdwara Manji Sahib Diwan Hall to the Akal Takht secretariat. According to The Tribune News, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) coordinator Dr Pritpal Singh said, “We reject the committee constituted by the Sikh clergy to resolve the calendar row and the calendar released by the SGPC.” He said the AGPC had been following the original Nanakshahi calendar since 2003 and would continue to do so in future. He said their apprehensions regarding the revival of Bikrami calendar have come true with the fresh SGPC move. He urged the Akal Takht Jathedar not to play with Sikh sentiments. The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) also stated that it would stick to the original Nanakshahi calendar. PSGPC general secretary Gopal Singh Chawla, said, “The PSGPC led by its president Sham Singh released the original Nanakshahi calendar for the New Year on Saturday.” He said they would continue to follow it in future as it symbolised the distinct identity of Sikhs. Gulbarg Singh of the Global Sikh Council (GSC) also rejected efforts by “any local organisation, especially the one under the control of a politician, to decide on global Panthic matters”. “Therefore, any decision, made by any committee, formed by the SGPC by exploiting the name of Akal Takht, to sabotage Nanakshahi calendar, the symbol of Khalsa Panth’s sovereignty, will not be acceptable,” he said. Referring to the Sikh Gurdwara Act, he said the SGPC’s responsibility and authority was limited to the management of historic Sikh shrines in Punjab and others under its control. “Under the Act, no jathedar of any shrine, including Akal Takht, has been assigned any authority to act as a spokesperson for the Sarbat Khalsa, the Khalsa Panth.” He felt it was high time for the Sarbat Khalsa to become active and discharge its duties independent of any outside influences, political or otherwise. The National Sikh Council of Australia Inc, which is a member of the GSC, also said the SGPC’s authority was limited to Punjab and Haryana only and not all Sikhs in the world. The council said,“The SGPC represents gurdwaras in Punjab and Haryana only, but most of the simple-minded diaspora Sikhs are under the impression that the SGPC is the controlling body of all Sikhs in the world, which is not true. The GSC should not follow the SGPC, rather the SGPC should follow the GSC,” it stated in a letter written to Gulbarg Singh of the GSC. Share this: http://singhstation.net/2015/03/sgpc-virtually-ends-nanakshahi-calendar/@mrsinghstation

SOURCE: http://singhstation.net/2015/03/baba-baghel-singh-invader-of-mughal-delhi/ It is really sad that we Sikhs have forgotten our Sikh generals and heroes. Most of us do not know that there was a time when Sikh generals like Hari Singh Nalwa subdued Afghans and hoisted the Sikh flag beyond the Khyber pass. We do not remember that once the Gagaga Doab was under the protection of the Sikh Misls and the Sikh chiefs realized Rakhi (Protection money) from that area. A few of us know that Baghel Singh vanquished Delhi, entered the Red Fort and the Mughal Emperor , Shah Alam, had to yield to his terms in 1783. Baba Baghel Singh (1730 – 1802) was born in village Jhabal, District Amritsar. From humble beginnings he arose to become a formidable force in the area between River Sutlej and River Yamuna. He was tall, well-built, with brownish eyes and slightly blackish color. He was brave, fearless and wise. Karora Singh, head of the Karorsinghia Misl, was issue less and had adopted his personal servant, Baghel Singh, as his successor. After the death of Karora Singh in the battle against the Nawab of Kunjpur in 1761, Baghel Singh who belonged to a poor Dhalival Jatt family succeeded him as head of the Karorsinghia Misl . As well as being a good soldier, Baba Baghel Singh was a very good political negotiator and was able to win over many an adversary to his side. The Mughals, the Ruhilas, the Marathas and British sought his friendship. Then Baba Baghel Singh turned his attention towards the cis-Yamuna territories. Soon the Sikhs were invading territories in Delhi and beyond, including Meerut, Awadh, collecting tribute from the Nawabs of each area. He is celebrated in Sikh history as the vanquisher of Mughal Delhi. On the 11th of March 1783, the Sikhs entered the Red Fort in Delhi and occupied the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience). It is also commonly believed that Baba Baghel Singh with his army had camped in the jungles surrounding Delhi from which they were planning to secretly launch their attack. The place where the camp was established later came to be known as “Tees Hazaari”. This is where the present day Delhi High Court is located. Another story goes that the Mughal Emperor when he came to know that Sikhs were planning to attack Delhi, as sufficient quantity of food and other essential commodities were stocked in the fort he ordered that all gates of the fort be closed so that the Sikhs camping in the jungles would soon run out of rations and go back. Some of the Sikhs accidentally came across a mason from the neighbourly village who informed them that a particular place the wall of the fort had caved in from inside though the exterior was intact. He also agreed to lead the Sikh and show them this spot. The Sikhs planned to ram the wall with logs to make a hole in the wall to enter the fort through. This place is now called “Mori Gate” and this where the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in present Delhi is located. Baba Baghel Singh had set up an octroi-post near Sabzi Mandi to collect the tax on the goods imported into the city to finance the search and the construction of the Sikh Temples. He did not want to use the cash received from the Government Treasury for this purpose, and most of that was handed out to the needy and poor. He often distributed sweetmeats, bought out of this Government gift, to the congregationalists at the place which, now, is know as the Pul Mithai.

For updates to this news, CLICK at http://singhstation.net/2015/02/bhai-amrik-singh-zakhmis-daughter-bibi-rajeshwar-kaur-passes-away/ In a very shocking news that arrived this morning, Bhai Amrik Singh Zakhmi’s beloved daughter Bibi Rajeshwar Kaur died of cancer yesterday on 22nd February. Rajeshwar Kaur was also the host of ‘Path diyan Singhaniyan‘ run by Fateh TV and has won award for her performance and contribution to the show. She herself was a great Gurmat Sangeet Kirtaniya and was a well-known religious artist. Her Antim Yatra will be conducted today in Jalandhar. This is indeed a very big loss to the Sikh Panth ! SinghStation prays for the departed soul and to take her off the circles of incarnations.

http://singhstation.net/2015/02/mars-one-mission-first-sikh-shortlisted-one-way-trip-red-planet/ Taranjeet Singh Bhatia is the first Sikh name put forward to become the first humans to step foot on the Red Planet. More than 200,000 people applied for the controversial privately-funded mission that organisers have estimated will cost six billion dollars and is set to be filmed for a reality television series. The Mars 100 Round Three candidates include 50 men and 50 women with 39 from the Americas, 31 from Europe, 16 from Asia, 7 from Africa, and 7 from Oceania. Taranjeet Singh Bhatia, 29, a PhD student in Computer Science at the University of Central Florida, is among the three Indian hopefuls, who will move on to the next round of an ambitious private mission that aims to send four people on a one-way trip to Mars in 2024. Taranjeet said, "All my life I always wanted to be involved in space missions. As a child, I spent hundreds of nights, gazing at the sky and always wanted aliens to abduct and take me into space." The other two Indian candidates are Ritika Singh, 29, who lives in Dubai, and Shradha Prasad, 19, from Kerala. http://bit.ly/taranjeet-singh-mars-one-mission

Source: http://singhstation.net/2015/02/new-sikh-gurdwara-perth-inaugurated/ Perth – With tremendous joy and celebration Sikhs inaugurated a new Gurdwara at Bennett Springs in Perth opened on 15th February 2015. Over 400 people attended this event which included Shabad Kirtan (religious hymn singing), Nagar Kirtan and Gatka (Sikh martial arts) performance. Bhai Satinderbir Singh ji & Jatha performed Gurbani kirtan. Giani Mal Singh, Jathedar Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib joined the Perth Sangat and performed the ardaas followed by Katha vichaars. The event was attended by people of all faith traditions who offered blessings and prayers in their own religious traditions. A Gatka competition has also been planned for three days from 20th to 22nd Feb. The final Gatka performance will be performed by Damdami Taksal Ranjeet Akhara Australia. CLICK HERE to view the pictures of the event

In Sikhism, the equivalent of a valentine is a verse from Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, and is meant to deeply pierce the heart with spiritual love. Such valentines are known as “prem de teer“ or “arrows of love,” and are exchanged between lovers of the divine known as sakhis, who regardless of gender, are considered to be the soul bride sisters of the divine groomWaheguru. Full Article: http://singhstation.net/2015/02/sikhism-valentine-prem-de-teer-spiritual-arrows-love/

Source: http://singhstation.net/2015/02/taksal-shiv-sena-clashes-latter-burn-effigy-sant-bhindranwale-amritsar/ AMRITSAR SAHIB — On birth annivesary of Shaheed Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Tension prevailed in the city when activists of Taksal and Shiv Sena came face to face when the latter tried to burn the effigy of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on his birth anniversary in Amritsar. The trouble broke out when activists of outfits like Shiv Sena Sher-E-Punjab and Karan Sena came out to burn Bhindranwale’s effigy at Hall Gate while another was to be burnt at Hathi Gate. As soon as the news of this mischievous act spread in the town, Damdami Taksal (Ajnala) leader Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala descended on the scene along with his supporters just when the Shiv Sena activists were to set the effigy ablaze. According to available reports, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala from Damdami Taksal along with all six singhs have been arrested by city police while only two or three Shiv Sena Activists were captured by police. Civil Lines Amritsar Police has reportedly registered a case against Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala and others under sections 107/151 Cr.PC. (Apprehension of breach of peace and tranquillity) and sent them to Amritsar jail. When the matter went to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, he took serious notice of the act and termed it as intolerable. He said the police must act against those who were trying to humiliate the “martyrs” and hurting Sikh sentiments. http://singhstation.net/2015/02/taksal-shiv-sena-clashes-latter-burn-effigy-sant-bhindranwale-amritsar/

http://singhstation.net/2015/02/urgent-appeal-help-end-vikram-singh-dhanaulas-hunger-strike/ Melbourne – In view of the critical condition of Vikram Singh Dhanaula and the indifference of Indian government, SinghStaion.Net on behalf of Australian Sikh Sangat appeals to Vikram Singh Dhanaula to END his hunger strike. According to latest reports, Vikram Singh Dhanaula is in CRITICAL condition after 64 days of “Hunger Strike till Death.” His life is in imminent danger with every passing moment. Vikram’s Hunger Strike is to seek justice for the November 1984 Sikh genocide victims. On behalf of the Australian Sikh Community, we make the following appeal to: Various Sikh organizations & SIkh Activists to help End Vikram Dhanaula’s Hunger Strike. Press & Media to immediately visit the “Hunger Strike Camp” in Delhi and highlight the situation in the media. The media attention may help buy time. United Nations and Human Rights Organizations to remind the Indian Government of its obligations and the various Human Rights Charters that it is signatory to. We also demand that the authorities must provide immediate medical assistance to him and stop insulting the basic human right, the dignity of life. SinghStation.Net has received a number of messages from Sikh Sangat in Australia who are wanting to see him back in good health with his family and join the fight against justice by some other means.

Section 144 is - banning assembly of five or more people in an area

LUDHIANA: Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, who has been sitting on hunger strike for last 24 days seeking release of Sikh prisoners at his house in Hassanpur village in Ludhiana, was finally forcibly detained by police and is presently admitted at the civil hospital. The decision for the action was taken in a meeting of Deputy Commissioner Rajat Aggarwal and senior Superintendent of police (SSP) Ravcharan Singh Brar with Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa and the old man was finally taken to the civil hospital for necessary treatment. However Bapu Surat Singh claimed that he had been under house arrest and many Sikh organization leaders have offered their support to him. His family members resented police action and Bapu ji’s son Harwinder Singh said they will continue with their struggle and his father would continue the hunger strike till the release of Sikh prisoners. According to latest reports so far, Bapu ji has not allowed the medical team to force-feed them or put him on a drip. TSYFB and other Prominent Sikh Youth groups today announced to jointly support Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, who is on hunger strike since January 15 for permanent release of Sikh political prisoners languishing in various jails of India. All Sikh Youth Groups held a huge meeting in Amritsar. In a joint statement, Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala’s president Bhai Balwant Singh Gopala, Sikh Youth Front general secretary Bhai Papalpreet Singh, Gurmat Parchar Sewa Lehar leader Bhai Surinder Singh Thikriwala, Youth Federation For Justice leader Bhai Gurpreet Singh Guri and Shan-e-Khalsa Gatka Dal Sangrur representative Kulwant Singh Talwar leaders said that release of the Sikh detainees is rather a right of Sikh nation, not a demand. All Sikh organizations have unanimously appointed Bhai Gurdeep Singh from Bathinda as the coordinator for chalking out any further programs in support of Bapu Surat Singh’s protest for freedom. Interestingly Ludhiana police has also imposed Section 144 across Bapu Surat Singh’s village Hassanpur. http://singhstation.net/2015/02/bapu-surat-singh-detained-ludhiana-police-24-days-hunger-strike/

Delhi – Aam Aaadmi Party (AAP) candidate, S. Jarnail Singh, from Rajouri Garden has won by 3,653 votes against his nearest rival Majinder Singh Sirsa of Shiromani Akali Dal Badal (SAD). AAP gave BJP a taste of its own medicine in the Delhi Assembly elections and was set to return to power with a record victory. It was a complete sweep by AAP and none could survive the sweep. Full News: http://singhstation.net/2015/02/aap-gursikh-candidate-jarnail-singh-wins-over-manjinder-sirsa/

Amritsar – To provide an unhindered view to the Golden Temple and the Ramgarhia Bungas (towers) in the backdrop, the state government has initiated work to remove an overhead water tank. Ever since the live telecast of Gurbani started from Sri Harmandir Sahib, the water tank in the backdrop of the two observation towers of Bunga Ramgharhia looked like an eyesore and the devotees watching the live telecast were irked by the sight of water tank constructed in the Galiara in 1988. Visible from the Golden Temple parikarma, the tank lies between the bungas. The 135-ft-high overhead tank was the first to be targeted by the tanks firing from the Sultanwind gate side before the army stormed the shrine in June, 1984 Operation Bluestar and was reconstructed in 1988 to store municipal water. In 2011, then Deputy Commissioner KS Pannu had also sought to dismantle it, but work could not be started as there was no follow-up action. The government has now entrusted the task to the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA). Underground ducts have been constructed to redirect sewage and water supply lines to make the tank defunct. Since the tank is located near a market, all shops have been ordered to remain close till the dismantling work is on. The shopkeepers have been offered Rs 25,000 per month as compensation. Sandeep Rishi, chairman, ADA, said special remote-controlled equipment and cutters had been engaged to dismantle concrete slabs that were being removed with the help of a crane. “The tank had eclipsed the view of the Golden Temple. The tourists generally enquire about the significance of Bungas, but it becomes difficult to tell them about the tank that stands between the Bungas. “This was brought to the notice of the Chief Minister who directed us to do away with the tank. It will take us two months to complete the job. We have adopted a special diamond-cutting technique ,” he said. Source: http://singhstation.net/2015/02/work-starts-demolition-water-tank-near-golden-temple/

In an exclusive interview with The Anadolu Agency in the prison’s visiting room with guards in close attendance, Bhai Jagtar Singh Tara claimed that Indian officials misled him following his detention and tricked him into signing a document saying he wanted to fight his case in India. Though It was not established during the ten-minute interview on Wednesday exactly who the officials were, India requested Tara’s extradition on the day of his arrest and an order to return him to India was issued by a Thai court the following day. Bhai Jagtar Singh also told Agency that, “They made fun of me and told me ‘You should speak here otherwise you will speak there [india].’” “First, I asked to have an attorney, but [the Indian officials] said that I did not have the right to a legal representation in Thailand,” Singh said. “They dictated me what to write.” “But I don’t want to go to India because I will get a death sentence.” Full News: http://singhstation.net/2015/01/indian-officials-misleading-jagtar-singh-tara-to-sign-extradition-docs/

MUMBAI: The 21st annual Life OK Screen Awards nominations for best animated feature got announced in Mumbai yesterday. First Sikh 3D Punjabi Blockbuster Movie CHAAR SAHIBZADE got awarded for BEST ANIMATION FEATURE FILM.

A 37 years old man identified in Thai police and media as Gurmeet Singh, has been arrested by team of Chon Buri provincial police and soldiers from the 14th Army Circle. However, international-media reports, including India’s Hindustan Times, revealed that the arrested person taken into custody actually was Jagtar Singh Tara, who has been in Thailand on a Pakistani passport for months under the identity of one of his companion in the 1995 attack. According to Thai Media reports, Acting on information provided by Indian officials, police and soldiers raided a house on Soi Mabyailia in tambon Nong Phreu in Bang Lamung district around 7.30pm Monday. Officers also arrested Pakistani national Ali Alat, 48, the owner of the house. The Indian newspaper identified Alat as “Khalat Bari” and quoted Indian government sources as saying the Pakistani was sheltering the Khalistan Tiger Force chief at the behest of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence. The two men were taken to Nong Phreu police station. Alat, who told Thai media he did not know of Jagtar Singh’s criminal background. “It took quite some time to arrest him. We had been following him for a while, but at one point he slipped off the radar,” national police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thawornsiri told The Associated Press. Bhai Jagtar Singh Tara was sentenced by the Punjab and Haryana court, along with Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara and others for their involvement in the execution of the former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. Along with Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara and Bhai Paramjit Singh Bheora, Jagtar Singh Tara made a sensational escape from Chandigarh’s High Security Burial Jail. Bhai Tara is believed to have worked under Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara’s leadership when he was an active member of Babbar Khalsa International. According to The Hindustan Times, Punjab police had spent three weeks in Thailand in September, but Jagtar Singh disappeared. Thai media quoted Mr Alat telling police that Singh had phoned him on Jan 1 to seek his help, saying authorities were seeking him because of an expired passport. He reportedly offered 30,000 baht to rent the house for 2-3 days. Indian media, however, say “Alat” was fully aware of Singh’s identity and is the brother of Sultan Bari, a Pakistan-based agent of the ISI intelligence agency. Pol Maj Gen Nitipong said police would contact the Indian embassy to take Singh. http://singhstation.net/2015/01/breaking-ktf-chief-bhai-jagtar-singh-tara-arrested-in-thailand/

Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Ji Khalsa who is sitting on 54th day of his hungers strike today seeking the release of Sikh political prisoners, has expressed his last wish before the sangat today. Bhai sahib stated that he would like to pay obeisance to Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar on January 8. He further added that he has full respect for Sri Akal Takht Sahib and that the morcha will continue if he was to leave his physical body. Bhai Gurbaksh will be leaving from Gurdwara Lakhnaur Sahib at 9am on 8th January followed by a Huge cavalcade of Sangat and he has requested Sikhs and all his supporters to join him on his way to Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji. He has also requested various Sikh organizations, political parties, Human Rights organizations and others to become part of the convoy. Sangat is requested to reach Gurudwara Lakhnaur Sahib on morning of 8th January 2015 to be a part of March for darshan of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar. Source: http://singhstation.net/2015/01/bhai-gurbaksh-singh-khalsa-expresses-last-wish/